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EDITORIAL
April is EARTH DAY...EARTH MONTH...MORE THAN 400 DAYS A YEAR
SAVE MOTHER EARTH
Today, U.S. EnvironmentalProtectionAgency/E.P.A. Administrator Michael Regan announced selections for $20 billion in grant awards that will fund tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects across the country, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Black Workers For Justice, NC Public Service Workers Union-UE local 150, the Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center and others, over many decades has been crucial in centering Black /Brown / Indigenous working class communities and our workplaces in this continued fight for environmental justice,safe communities and workplaces. We refuse to be silenced and will continue the resistance & fightback against capitalist greed and environmental racism because our experiences have proven that environmental justice is not just a civil rights issue, but one of HUMAN RIGHTS. But this struggle knows no boundaries...in our communities and workplaces it impacts the world environment...health and well being of MOTHER EARTH. Though Black, Brown and Indigenous "First World" native communities have shouldered the burden of this crisis, the fightbacks/ "direct political action"and empowerment solutions will improve the lives of all in the U.S. and world from all backgrounds.We must fight for a better society and world !
Here’s what a political official had to say: “For far too long, Black America has been deprived of the capital necessary to restore and reinvigorate our communities to meet the challenges we are disproportionately burdened with. Let’s be clear - the environmental challenges of today cannot be addressed without sufficient economic investments only that will mitigate the perils of tomorrow. Today’s announcement is a welcome, but small step towards righting the wrongs of the past to build a more sustainable and equitable future. The U.S. capitalists' greed and search for profits must be held accountable and we all must grow our organizations and united movements to continue pushing for policies that prioritize a forward-looking vision for a fundamentally different and better society & world with a people before profit culture and healthy sustainable local as well as world community .”
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THE CAPITALIST CULTURE OF WORKPLACE AND FOOD COMES AT A COST
TO OUR COMMUNITY WORKERS!
Letter from front line worker...
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The first time I looked at my paycheck I was confused. Waffle House charged me for food... that I didn't eat. It turns out, Waffle House forces workers like me to pay for shift meals, even when I don't eat.
I make $2.96/hr before tips, a little less than I did when I started here 10 years ago. Meanwhile, based on a USSW internal survey, it is estimated that Waffle House pockets $30 million a year through their mandatory "meal credit" deduction. To make it worse, lots of us don't even get meal breaks. We're paying for food we can't eat.
That's why we're petitioning the Department of Labor to investigate Waffle House's Meal Credit Deduction Policy – and going on STRIKE to demand better. Like workers across industries, we won't sit back while wealthy corporations get away with mistreatment. Waffle House workers deserve better – share in solidarity!
My son is 5. I work hard to give him a good life. But I'm tired of living in this cycle of waking up, working, and paying bills, without having anything left to show for it. I've been on strike this week alongside my fellow Waffle House workers because we need to make big changes.
Our demands are simple:
- An end to mandatory wage deductions
- Clean, secure workplaces with 24/7 security
- Fair, consistent scheduling
- A $25/hr minimum wage for all workers
- A seat at the table for workers to fight for better conditions
Share to show your support for striking Waffle House workers >>
In solidarity,
Katie Giede
Waffle House Worker
Conyers, Georgia
Union of Southern Service Workers
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Carolina Amazonians United for Solidarity & Empowerment/aka C.A.U.S.E. invites you to a private FUNRAISING screening of a documentary about the historic union drive in the JFK8 Amazon Facility. They did what was thought impossible and are coming to NC to share the lessons from their campaign and to connect with our local union drive CAUSE. This private screening is free for Amazon Workers and their families and we suggest $15 donations for supporters of the movement. A discussion between ALU, CAUSE and the Filmmakers will follow. Please RSVP and share among your networks.
Sunday, April 7 from 1-4PM at the Garner Performing Arts Center
742 W Garner Rd, Garner, NC 27529
Free and plentiful parking is available
Special guests from CAUSE and the Amazon Labor Union
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Removing the Masks Women Wear in Society -
"What masks do we wear to hide who we are or are not?"
Presentation on Saturday, 23 March 2024,
Negril Hills, Westmoreland, Jamaica
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Fosuwa Andoh, is a visual griot who uses masks, clay, fabric, multi-media to see life in its true context. She is a native of Ghana, currently living in eastern Jamaica. Fosuwa will be the keynote presenter during the Women’s month program at the TEMPLE OF INNER PEACE, located in Mt. Airey, Negril Hills, Westmoreland, Saturday, March 23, 2024 beginning from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The programme will be hosted by Denise Isis Miller, Radio Personality, Rootsology Radio Show and Sharon Parris-Chambers, author & Co-Founder Temple of Inner Peace.
Fosuwa’s presentation will include hands-on experience about identity, self-perception, how we perceive ourselves within the context of the world. What masks do we wear to hide who we are or are not? We can play both sides. The Visual Griot asks “What is the importance of masks? What do the large eyes and long nose represent in the canons of African art? In fact, we are really examining, particularly, what women are carrying emotionally, spiritually, and economically.”
When society invests in Women they accelerate progress in every way. Women are the first teachers in the home; they are primary nurturers and most likely the ones who prepare children to enter the system. Afro-centric women, Womanists and the Sacred Feminine all have in common, the basic tenets as creators; they are the “Womb of Creation.” The visual Griot said she will explore how women apply the knowledge of their power, amongst other things of relevance.
Yoga asanas to heal mind, body and spirit will be presented by King Maji, an experienced Yogi and Singer. Yogini and Sculptor, Jasazii, will teach the “Power of Crystals to Regulate the body” and will feature some of her Gem Sculptures.
The women will be Serenaded by Calbert Brooks, lead drummer of Calbert & The All Star Drummers. His troupe can be found teaching drumming classes and dancing the second and final Sunday of each month at the Negril Beach Park.
The “Temple of Inner Peace” in Mt Airy, Negril is a hidden Oasis for weary souls needing rejuvenation. In addition to our exciting programme, we will have delicious food. The famous Sherene Gayle’s ‘Red Pea Sip’ will be served. Empress Wisiann, Managing Director, Wissy Wassy Herbal products, will serve up Natural juices, Wraps and other delectable dishes. For more information, contact Publisher - Sharon Parris-Chambers at +1-876-275-3169.
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FRUIT OF LABOR WORLD CULTURAL CENTER's ARCHIVES:
Congratulations, 2024 TAP Recipient!
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North Carolina’s State Historical Records Advisory Board has selected the FRUIT OF LABOR WORLD CULTURAL CENTER'S''archives project" of journals/documents from 1960's-to present as a 2024 participant in the "Traveling Archivist Program" (TAP). A team of archivists from the State Archives and partner institutions will serve 6 organizations this year with virtual and on-site consultations, onsite training, and supplies to improve preservation and access for document, photograph, and/or film collections. The TAP program is supported with federal funds from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
For further information call Angaza Laughinghouse or Nathanette Mayo at (919) 231-2660 or (919) 876-7187 (leave your name, number, and a message).
Also, you may email them at fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com.
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FOLWCC Rentals
Need a special place for your special event?
The newly renovated Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center and the World Cultural Café are your place. The 2,000 sq. ft. World Cultural Center, with a big screen and surround sound theater, is the ideal intimate setting for:
- Graduation Parties & Game Nights
- Organizational & Business Meetings
- Classes, Seminars & Workshops
- Conferences
- Religious & Family Gatherings/ Reunions
- Bridal & Baby Showers
- Movie Screenings
- Receptions
- Gatherings for Watching Sports and Other Events
- Art Shows
- Small Concerts & Fundraisers
Rental form on website
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APRIL 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS | |
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Saturday, April 13; 10:00-11:00 AM; FOLWCC Community Fitness Class for all levels: Dance Fusion taught by instructor Kimberly McGhee; Enjoy moving to the upbeat sounds of afrobeat, reggae, R&B, pop and Latin music. Register at Eventbrite: Free Community Health & Fitness or RSVP by calling (919) 876-7187. Email Nathanette at: nlmayo5@yahoo.com for more information. Classes are free, but a donation from you will help ensure this community program can continue throughout the year.
Saturday, April 13; 11:30 AM-12:30 PM; FOLWCC Community Solidarity Gardening Club meeting to plant our 2024 garden! RSVP your interest in being part of the club and attendance to (919) 876-7187.
Thursday, April 18; 5:00-7:00 PM; Prevent Diabetes Culinary Program Series; presented by Eatwell Exchange at FOLWCC. This series includes both classroom and cooking instruction; 1/8, 2/1, 2/15, 2/29, 3/21, 4/18, 5/23; cooking instruction – 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/7, 3/21; 6/20 graduation. Classroom & cooking are taught by a registered dietician, Jasmine Westbrooks. Contact Jasmine@eatwellexchange.org for more info.
Sunday, April 21; 4:00-8:00 PM; Celebrating Mother Earth with this month’s Only on Sunday Jazz Sessions at FOLWC; Live music featuring the band- Jazz Builds the 919. $15pp or 4 for $40; Music, Food, Vendors, Good News & Fun; to RSVP or for vendor information registration & attendance call Nathanette at (919) 876-7187 or email fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com. A social justice FUNdraiser. Tickets may be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.com or at the door.
Saturday, April 27; 10:00-11:00 AM; FOLWCC Community Fitness Class for all levels: Barre taught by instructor Nykya; This workout focuses on low-impact, high-intensity movements designed to strengthen and tone. Register at Eventbrite: Free Community Health & Fitness or RSVP by calling (919) 876-7187. Email Nathanette at: nlmayo5@yahoo.com for more information. Classes are free, but a donation will help ensure this community program can continue throughout the year.
Saturday, April 27; 4:00-7:00 PM; A Disco Frenzy Extravaganza sponsored by FOLWCC youth; Put on your best party outfit from the 70’s & 80’s and come out for music, dance, spoken word, trivia, games, food, community good news, an opportunity to network. $10 donation. Contact Chelada Livingston at cheladalivingston@gmail.com to RSVP or call 919-876-7187. A social justice FUNdraiser.
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Planning for the Fruit of Labor Community Solidarity Garden Begins
Interested experienced and beginning gardeners are invited to come and help with the planning and layout of this year’s community solidarity garden. This will be our 3rd year of growing our community garden and offering food preparation, preservation, and nutrition classes at the Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center!
The corporate food industry, its lobbyists and agent politicians, and its media's miseducation of communities are responsible for our people’s poor health, lack of universal health care, and lack of cooperative ownership of land and how we produce what we need to live healthy quality lives. Many big capitalist corporations of the food industry produce unhealthy adulterated food with unnaturally long shelf lives solely as profit-making commodities!
Our garden is solidarity in action and a social justice understanding about access to affordable quality food and safe clean water in our communities. We hope you join us in working in and nurturing our needed COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY GARDEN and its mission.
Photos from our 2022 & 2023 Community Solidarity Gardens
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JOIN US FOR PLANNING TO "CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH 2024"
the FOLWCC 's 25th Birthday
WITH A DAY & EVENING OF MUSIC, ART, POETRY, and
GOOD COMMUNITY NEWS INSPIRING SPEAKERS!
We need your help for a HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY & JUNETEENTH at the Fruit of Labor World Cultural Center featuring a seafood, chicken, and veggies feast and fun (a social justice benefit).
A Celebration with Live Music, inspiring art & poetry, and community speakers bringing some GOOD NEWS! We are planning for a wonderful day of family celebration, reflection, games, prizes, and fun. Email fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com or call the landline office at (919) 876 7187 leave your name and number.
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Dear musicians, singers, visual artists, poets, songwriters, audio/visual technicians, filmmakers, and socially conscious cultural worker activists.
We are looking for motivated cultural individuals who are eager to share their interests, skills, and talents and learn from seasoned cultural artists. The decades-old activist band "FRUIT OF LABOR SINGING ENSEMBLE"/FOL SE, the 25-year-old "FRUIT OF LABOR WORLD CULTURAL CENTER" /FOL WCC, and the renowned "BROKEN WINGS MUSIC GROUP" STUDIO/ PRODUCTIONS /BWMG have contributed to... creating a vibrant social justice movement and a "social justice movement building" Cultural Center!
We use music, art, poetry, film, book clubs, and more to build and drive organizations, labor unions, human rights movements, and workplace/community empowerment toward fundamental change in our local, regional, and national communities.
We want YOU to join us!
- Application by email, call, or letter deadline is March 15th!
Key Internship Details:
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Start Date: May 2024 (12 week internship)
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Compensation: $20 per hour, Bi-weekly or monthly stipend
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Location: FRUIT OF LABOR WORLD CULTURAL CENTER in Raleigh, BWMG Studio/production site, Remote work from home, with occasional in-person staff events and travel across the U.S.
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Equipment: Vehicle, accessible to public transportation, and we will provide a desktop or laptop computer and accessories, or interns can choose to use their computer. Interns need reliable Internet access that allows for regular participation in video meetings.
Please let us know your interests and contact us with any questions you may have. We are grateful for the FOL WCC team of people over the past 25 years who are voluntarily working to align our creative community cultural artists, activists, and tech folks with serving our working-class community's interest...as WE COLLECTIVELY are nurturing many community-based organizations' capacity to advance our vision of a stronger community and better world!
Email us at fruitoflaborwcc@netscape.com or call the office and leave your phone number and a message at (919) 876-7187.
INSPIRING, ENGAGING, EDUCATING AND LIBERATING
FRUIT OF LABOR WORLD CULTURAL CENTER
All-Volunteer TEAM
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"Tennessee Rise"
by The Tennessee Freedom Singers
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S.O.S. (Mother Nature)
by Will.i.am Earth Month Song
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